US: School board votes not to ban ‘Two Boys Kissing’ book

[Guest]

The book will no longer be banned from schools in the district

A Virginia school board has voted unanimously against banning a gay-themed young adult novel, after a lengthy public hearing.

Fauquier High School has earlier this month been urged by a parent to ban Two Boys Kissing, a young-adult novel by David Levithan.

The book covers several LGBT themes, including coming out, gender identity, gay hookup sites and teenage relationships.

Levithan’s previous book Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist was adapted as a film starring Michael Cera, and won a GLAAD award for its portrayal of gay characters.

On Wednesday, at a public meeting attended by over 50 people, the school board found unanimously in favour of keeping the book.

According to Fauquier News, committee member Reverend Joie Clee Weiher said: “This book is not about sex. Heated scenes of kissing are merely a hook, a draw for young people to read a book about relationships, respect and the deeper concerns of the human situation.”

A number of parents spoke at the hearing, both in favour of banning the book and against, but Jessica Wilson, who initially called for the ban, opted not to speak.

Local resident John Green, had argued: “Most High School students are under the age of 18.

“According to the Virginia Code, they are juveniles.

“The Virginia Code also defines obscene as material that as a whole appeals to an apparent interest in sex and excites lust.

“This book, I believe, meets that definition and is being made available to juveniles, which I believe to be inappropriate.”

Levithan sent a letter in defence of the book to the hearing.

He wrote on his Facebook page: “I just want to thank all of the people who’ve rallied to TWO BOYS KISSING’s defence in the censorship challenge in Fauquier County. Good luck tonight – I am very much with you in spirit.”

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/04/26/us-school-board-votes-not-to-ban-two-boys-kissing-book/


Common sense prevails!

Isn't Virginia quite a RW state? So excellent news!

      

[Ben Reilly]

Virginia's a weird state -- it actually has gone to Obama in the past two elections, and they recently elected a (kind of sucky) Democratic governor, but in a very, very tight election. It's two worlds there, with a lot of LWs in the bigger cities and Greater Washington D.C. area, and a lot of RWs in the sticks.

But yeah, historically it's been very conservative -- looks like it's changing for the better!   

[Guest]

Errrm excuse me - could we have a "Warning: Graphic Content" label put on this thread?

[Original Quill]

Virginia's a weird state -- it actually has gone to Obama in the past two elections, and they recently elected a (kind of sucky) Democratic governor, but in a very, very tight election. It's two worlds there, with a lot of LWs in the bigger cities and Greater Washington D.C. area, and a lot of RWs in the sticks.

But yeah, historically it's been very conservative -- looks like it's changing for the better!   

Ah, but don't forget that Washington DC is in Virginia. Southern and western Virginia are conservative, but it has hundreds of thousands of federal bureaucrats that are pro-government. They sure as hell don't favour the tea party.

[Guest]

Errrm excuse me - could we have a "Warning: Graphic Content" label put on this thread?

No.

[Guest]

Errrm excuse me - could we have a "Warning: Graphic Content" label put on this thread?

No.

lol

It was just a joke Mr Catman - I know they are just actors and men don't really do that kind of stuff.

[Original Quill]

No.

lol

It was just a joke Mr Catman - I know they are just actors and men don't really do that kind of stuff.

Wassmatta, lil andy?  Are you one of those tough guys who can't be melted by a little warm, loving affection?  Look at those children...melt your heart, innit?   

[veya_victaous]

Errrm excuse me - could we have a "Warning: Graphic Content" label put on this thread?

No.

lol

It was just a joke Mr Catman - I know they are just actors and men don't really do that kind of stuff.

 ::troll:: ::alahoo:: ::alahoo:: ::alahoo:: 

Mmmm.... thats some good trolling
 ::smthg:: ::smthg:: ::smthg:: ::smthg:: 

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